‘...It’s Christmas time in the city’

Warren Celebrates

December 7, 2013

Weather reports called for an ice and snow mix Friday evening, but the slippery stuff held off for Warren's Christmas Parade and Walk.

Many people commented on the size of the crowd, saying it was the largest in years. People were lined up eight deep in places, barely leaving room for the Warren Area High School Marching Band to pass.

Niki Chase of Warren said that she was there with her entire extended family.

Article Photos

‘...It’s Christmas time in the city’

‘...It’s Christmas time in the city’

‘...It’s Christmas time in the city’

‘...It’s Christmas time in the city’

‘...It’s Christmas time in the city’

‘...It’s Christmas time in the city’

‘...It’s Christmas time in the city’

‘...It’s Christmas time in the city’

"It was cold," she said. "But it's Christmas. It was very nice."

"It was fun," said Rhiana Hoffman, who marched with the high school band.

Seven-year-old Caidence Armstrong of Warren missed the parade because she was busy making crafts in the Second Avenue Exchange.

"I did a necklace, and I did an ornament and I got my face painted," she said.

Jana Hanks also missed the parade.

"I was holding down the fort for Team Sidekick of Relay for Life," Hanks said.

The team's kiosk was on Liberty Street selling chances for raffle baskets and electronics to raise money for the cause.

The Warren Lions Club was set up on the corner of Liberty Street and Second Avenue selling their famous sausage subs, hot dogs and hot cider.

They started early in the day and were completely sold out by 7:30 p.m. Several passers-by said they missed out on the sandwiches and wished they had come by earlier.

Darrell Pusateri of the Lions' Club said, "It was a great night. The only lull was during the parade."

Mayor-elect Maury Cashman spoke from the steps of the Municipal Building, welcoming people to the walk, but he admitted that Santa Claus was the man of hour.

The stores and restaurants in the downtown area had lines going out onto the sidewalks during the Christmas Walk following the parade. Even several hours after the parade, restaurants were jammed with standing room only.